Web Summit Tips: Do’s and Don’ts for First-Time Attendees

Do’s and Don’ts: First Web Summit Tips from My Experience

Attending Web Summit Lisbon for the first time with Katico was definitely an eye-opener and a chance to build our own tech conference guide for future events. With its reputation as one of the world’s biggest tech conferences, I had high expectations. However, as an attendee, the experience was far more mixed than I anticipated.

While there were moments of value—great connections, inspiring side events, and some interesting insights—the overall organization and quality of the event left a lot to be desired. From frustrating logistical hiccups to underwhelming sessions, it wasn’t the transformative experience many hope for.

That said, Web Summit is still an event full of opportunities if you know how to navigate it. Reflecting on what worked (and what didn’t), I’ve put together a list of Web Summit tips and do’s and don’ts to help first-timers—and even seasoned attendees—make the most of their time, avoid common pitfalls, and leave feeling like it was worth it.

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Do: Get Your Badge at the Airport

The fastest and most stress-free option! This year, the badge tent was located just to the right of the airport exit. We picked up ours around 4 PM on Monday and didn’t have to wait in line at all. Highly recommend this over trying to grab it at the venue.  

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Do: Get a Transport Pass

Avoid taxis—public transport is faster, more reliable, and way cheaper. Lisbon offers 1, 3, and 5-day Web Summit passes for metro, buses, and trams. We redeemed our voucher in less than five minutes using the ticket machines at the airport (also to the right of the exit).  

[Here’s where to find details on the pass.]  

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Don’t: Ignore Side Entrances

Skip the main entrance chaos by using the side or back entrances. These are much faster and lead directly to Pavilion 4, which is near some key stages and booths. Less stress, more efficiency.  

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Do: Pre-Register for Side Events 

Some of our best experiences were at side events, an essential part of any tech conference guide. You can find these listed on platforms like Lu.ma, Eventbrite, or even through Portugal Tech Week. Keep an eye on WhatsApp groups for curated lists too. Some events are free, but many charge a small fee—plan ahead!  

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Don’t: Join Every WhatsApp Channel  

Web Summit creates WhatsApp channels based on communities (e.g., Women in Tech, USA Founders). While this is a great way to connect, one of the best Web Summit tips is to avoid joining too many and focus on one or two channels instead. I made the mistake of joining five, and it was chaos. Instead, pick one or two channels that are most relevant to you.  

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Do: Choose Night Summit Locations Wisely  

This year’s Night Summit featured multiple bar meetups across Lisbon, listed in the app. Some were great; others… not so much. For example, the USA Founders meetup was held at an outdoor beer kiosk—cold and uncomfortable. Always check the venue details beforehand to ensure it’s a spot where you’ll feel comfortable networking.  

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Don’t: Expect Great Food (or Coffee)  

Food on-site was underwhelming, expensive, and lacking in healthy options. For example, I paid €16 for a 4/10 Pad Thai with boiled chicken. Coffee? Even worse—free machines served 2/10 coffee, and the paid options weren’t much better. If you can, bring snacks or plan to eat outside the venue (if you have time).  

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Do: Prepare Your Networking Game  

Web Summit is overwhelming, with thousands of startups and professionals pitching themselves. To stay organized:  

– Have your LinkedIn QR code ready for quick connections. Save it as a lock screen for easy access.  

– Use a separate channel (e.g., Slack, WhatsApp) to note down useful links, contacts, and key conversations—you’ll thank yourself later when trying to remember who was who.  

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Don’t: Assume All Sessions Will Be High-Quality  

Not every lecture or masterclass delivers value. For example, a LEGO representative claimed they finished a major digital transformation 18 months early, attributing success to “bravery, curiosity, and focus”—with no actionable insights. Similarly, a masterclass on outsourcing turned out to be a sales pitch with unsupported claims.  

My advice: Bring your critical thinking—an essential part of any tech conference guide. Pay attention to data, actionable steps, and context. If a speaker doesn’t present evidence or clear takeaways, don’t be afraid to challenge their perspective.  

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Do: Plan Ahead for Roundtables 

If you want to attend a roundtable, arrive at least 30–40 minutes early. The lines are long, and seats are limited. Unfortunately, our experience was marred by poor organization—staff prioritized investors for the roundtable we were interested it, and there was no clear system for managing the rest of the queue. Be prepared for hiccups and focus on the sessions most relevant to you.  

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Do: Come with Critical Thinking and Focus  

At Web Summit, not everyone you meet or listen to will add value. Don’t hesitate to leave unproductive conversations or sessions. With so many people and opportunities, your time is precious—focus on what helps you grow, connect, or learn.